Wellness @ Groves: 

https://sites.google.com/bps-schools.com/wellness-at-groves/home

District Emotional Health & Wellness Website:

https://sites.google.com/bps-schools.com/bps-emotional-health-wellness/home

Department Chair

Lilianne Kowalchuk, School Counselor

Email: LCharles-Kowalchuk@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3505

Education: Mrs. Kowalchuk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Sociology from Michigan State University, a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University, and a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from Wayne State University.

Philosophy: Mrs. Kowalchuk believes in helping students maximize their success and happiness within their social and educational context.

Mrs. Kowalchuk’s favorite thing about Groves is the growth of students!

Amanda Gohl, School Counselor

Caseload: Last Names A - D

Email: AGohl@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3507

Education: Mrs. Gohl holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from University of Detroit Mercy. 

Philosophy: Mrs. Gohl believes that all students should be treated with respect, dignity, and kindness, always. Success comes in many different forms and no matter what obstacles may come, Mrs. Gohl truly believes that all students can be successful and will continue to advocate and support her students throughout their journey. 

Mrs. Gohl’s favorite thing about Groves is how welcoming and kind the staff, students, and community are.

Felicia Starks, School Counselor

Caseloads: Last Names D - K

Email: FStarks@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3506

Education: Mrs. Starks completed her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Wayne State University and Master of Arts in School Counseling at Eastern Michigan University.  

Philosophy: Mrs. Starks believes that every student has the potential to achieve whatever goals they aspire to.  Guiding students through the process of successfully dealing with their academic and social concerns gives them a better understanding of how to deal with life in general. It is my hope that through my advising philosophy, students would be able to continue to handle life’s challenges appropriately long after they  have graduated from high school.  

Mrs. Starks favorite thing about Groves: The warm welcome I have received from staff, students and parents!

 Rob Oden, School Counselor

Caseload: Last Names K - R

Email: roden@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3508

Mr. Oden's Website: Here

Education: Mr. Oden completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where he majored in Kinesiology while dually enrolled in the School of Education with a minor in Mathematics. Mr. Oden's graduate work was completed at the University of Detroit Mercy where he earned a Master of Arts in School Counseling and a Certification in Educational Leadership (Administration) from the Michigan Education of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).  

Philosophy: Mr. Oden believes that through strategic decision-making, any student can cultivate the life that they want to live. The life that you want is on the other side of Mr. Oden's favorite mantras - "Put yourself in a position to win!" (make good decisions), surround yourself with others that will "Be an asset" (support and build you up) and help you "Connect the dots'' (provide you with resources, guidance, and knowledge). Mr. Oden is always teaching, instilling, and modeling these 3 mantras for his students.  

Mr. Oden’s favorite thing about Groves is the organization, resources, and opportunities offered to the students, staff and parents.  

Sharon Adams, School Counselor

Caseload: Last Names R - Z

Email: sadams2@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3503

Mrs. Adams' Bitmoji Classroom: Here

Education: Mrs. Adams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling from Oakland University.

Philosophy: Mrs. Adams believes that every student can be successful given the right tools. She believes her job is to help students learn and use those tools.

Mrs. Adams’ favorite thing about Groves is building relationships with Groves' students and staff.

Gregorio Cognetto, Wellness Counselor 

Email: GCognetto@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3504

Mr. Cognetto's Website: Wellness @ Groves

Education: Mr. Cognetto earned an associates degree in general studies from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor's degree in sociology with a social psychology concentration from Western Michigan University and a masters degree in school and mental health counseling from Oakland University.

Counseling Philosophy: Mr. Cognetto takes a mindfulness based holistic approach while supporting others with their development and challenges.

Favorite thing about Groves: The people. Everyone seems to be kind hearted and welcoming! 

Jennifer Kondak, College and Career Specialist

Email: JKondak@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3543

Mrs. Kondak's Website: Here

Education: Mrs. Kondak holds a Bachelor of Arts from Alma College and is a Certified Career Development Facilitator – CCSP.

Philosophy: Mrs. Kondkak is an educator first and she acts as one of the many lights on a student’s pathway to self-knowledge and growth. Mrs. Kondak’s goal is help students know their interests to make the best post-high school decisions possible.

Mrs. Kondak’s favorite thing about Groves is our commitment to educating the individual student.

Lisa Reeves, Counseling Secretary

Email: LReeves@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3501

Education: Mrs. Reeves holds an Associate's Degree in Secretarial and Business Administration from South East Essex College of Arts and Technology.

Philosophy: Mrs. Reeves believes that team counseling and putting the needs of the students first is what makes us successful.

Mrs. Reeves’ favorite thing about Groves is that the staff and students rock!

Julie Hourdakis, Registrar

Email: JHourdakis@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Office: 248-203-3511

Education: Mrs. Hourdakis holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of South Florida.

Mrs. Hourdakis’ favorite thing about Groves is the atmosphere and the wonderful staff!

Please use the clickable links below for counseling information and printable documents:

ACADEMIC

• Wylie E. Groves School Profile

• Online Learning Application

• Tutoring Help

• Rising Senior Checklist

• Brag Sheet for Counselor Recommendation letter for College

• Parchment: Request your transcript

• Birmingham Public Schools Graduation Requirements 

• Course Catalog 2023-2024

• Course Description Vidoes

• Using PowerSchool

• Kaplan Test Practice - FREE!

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

• Counseling Referrals

• Community Resources & Support Groups

• Wellness @ Groves

COLLEGE & CAREER

• College & Career Center at Groves

• College Visit Schedule

• Difference between the ACT and SAT

• Cost of College

• College Admissions Information

• Common App

• Work Permit (16 & 17 year olds)

• Work Permit (Under 16 years old - print in "Landscape" format)